Should Art Modell be in the Hall of Fame?

Art Modell's accolades, achievements and innovations are more than worthy. These qualifications certainly speak for themselves.

But this was the man who ripped an historic pro football franchise away from its loyal fan base. Cleveland may have been Pittsburgh's most bitter foe. But even the biggest Steelers fan has to admit that the NFL wasn't the same without this rivalry.

The "old Browns" – now known as the Baltimore Ravens – remain a perennial AFC contender. And their rivalry with the Steelers is strong as ever.

But Modell punished Cleveland in a way that could make even a Steelers fan cringe. He took a proverbial dagger to the hearts of the very people who kept his franchise relevant. It was, in the politest of terms, unfair.

Maybe this is the only real strike against Modell. But it's a big one.